Identify the
Poetic Device
Poetic Device
Explain the meaning of the
Line/stanza
Line/stanza
Critical Thinking/Comprehension
Questions
Questions
Context and
Background
Background
100
"Orange sun rays", "fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn", and "a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams, his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream"
What is imagery
100
"his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom"
Maya Angelou models the way in which the caged bird's song can be heard from a distant hill. Significantly, the bird's dream and vision is expressed through his singing as he longs for freedom and equality. Even though the bird is confined, his song, hope, and message aren't.
100
How do the lives of the caged bird and the free bird differ from one another?
The free bird has the opportunity to fly and roam wherever it pleases, feeling as thought the sky belongs to him. In contrast, the caged bird is restrained in a cage that only allows him to dream and sing fearfully of freedom.
100
What significant event occurred during the 1950s and 1960s?
The Civil Rights Movement
200
"sighing trees" and "his shadow shouts". What literary device is used?
What is personification
200
Stanza 4
Stanza 4 is seen through the perspective of the free bird and Angelou continues to illustrate the parallel between the two birds. The free bird is untroubled by anything and is supplied with "fat worms". Throughout this stanza, Angelou emphasizes the entitlement of the free bird by stating "he names the sky his own", since he is privileged with fulfilling his dreams and desires without being restrained.
200
What does the caged bird symbolize? What is the meaning behind the cage that encloses the bird?
The caged bird symbolizes the oppression and disrcrimination that African American people face.
- The cage represents discrimination and racism as it doesn't give the caged bird freedom, but instead restriction and limitations. The caged bird is able to sing but feels as though his voice isn't entirely heard.
200
Who encouraged Maya Angelou to write about her life experiences?
James Baldwin
300
"seldom see through", "worms waiting", and "shadow shouts". What literary device is used?
What is alliteration
300
What is the meaning of "bars of rage" mentioned in the second stanza?
The phrase "bars of rage" is significant to Maya Angelou's life as she often felt restricted from enjoying her freedoms. Likewise, she uses this phrase to illuminate the feelings of those who are bound by oppression and prejudice. In addition, Angelou expresses her strong emotions towards the treament that African Americans have received.
300
What does Maya Angelou's use of free verse represent and how does it relate to the poem?
Maya Angelou symbolically uses free verse in her poem as there is no clearcut pattern or specific form. Angelou's use of free verse contributes to the theme of freedom.
300
What other civil rights activists did Maya Angelou work with?
Maya Angelou worked with Malcolm X in developing the Organization of Afro-American Unity before he was later assassinated. She also worked with Martin Luther King Jr. by being coordinator of a civil rights organization known as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
400
What literary device is the entire poem built around? Think about the main comparison presented in the poem.
What is extended metaphor because the metaphor encompasses more than a a few lines and contrasts the conditions of the free bird and the caged bird.
400
"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still"
Angelou depicts the caged bird singing in fear of its freedom even though its composed of "things unknown". Regardless, the bird desires freedom despite the sense of hopelessness in being caged. Despite the situation the bird is in, it continues to have faith and hope as it sings loud enough to be heard "from a distant hill"
400
Choose a line or stanza from the poem that resonates with you and explain why.
Your answer
400
What led to Maya Angelou becoming mute for about 5 years?
Maya Angelou didn't talk for about 5 years because of the traumas she experienced as a child.